23 Jan What Are the Most Common Driving Test Faults in the UK?
Studying the most common causes of failed driving tests isn’t about scaring yourself half to death before the big day. Quite the contrary, but the only realistic way to steer clear (pun intended) of such faults is to know what they are.
First things first – failing a practical driving test is not the end of the world. Disappointing it may be (and quite costly too), but it’s really not a big deal; if you can dust yourself off and get the job done right the next time around, no real harm done.
Most people fail their driving tests the first time, making it more of a learning experience than a make-or-break assessment of your driving skills. Some say those who pass the first time are lucky more than anything else, but that’s a debate for another day.
Today, we’re taking a brief look at the 10 most common driving test faults in the UK. The good news is that in all instances, the key to overcoming them is actually quite simple.
The 10 Most Common Driving Test Faults in the UK
As things stood in 2022, these were the most common causes of failed driving tests in Great Britain:
- Junctions – observation
- Mirrors – change of direction
- Control – steering
- Junctions – turning right
- Moving off safely
- Response to signals – traffic lights
- Control when moving off
- Positioning – normal driving
- Response to signs – road markings
- Reverse parking – control
What’s interesting about the above is how the vast majority of them seem so minor in nature. Observation at junctions, correct use of mirrors, the appropriate response to traffic lights – all the kinds of things you’d think you would master after just a couple of lessons. Given their prevalence among drivers who subsequently fail their tests, this is clearly not the case.
Of course, you then have more complex matters like the dreaded reverse park, which you either nail or you don’t. Some people inherently find the prospect of performing even the most basic manoeuvres terrifying – particularly under test conditions.
How to Avoid the Most Common Driving Test Faults
In each of the above instances, you could arm yourself with all the books and online tutorials and the world, and still not come away with the confidence you need. Irrespective of the nature and extent of your requirements where potential driving test complications are concerned, the resolution is always the same:
Practice makes perfect.
As part of your course of driving lessons, you can (and should) request that your instructor takes you through a few mock tests. Just as soon as he/she feels you are ready, you should be taken out in mock test conditions and put through your paces as will be the case on the big day.
This will give your instructor the perfect opportunity to determine your strengths and weaknesses, along with which faults in your driving habits would result in a failed test. After which, you can more or less push your main strengths to one side entirely and focus as much attention as possible on your weaknesses.
Oftentimes, learner drivers find that while they excel in the more complex and confidence-testing aspects of driving, they make the kinds of simple mistakes that could keep them from passing their tests. You may have complete confidence in performing even the most complex manoeuvres in rush hour traffic, but fail to use your mirrors properly on a regular basis, for example.
At Adams Driver Trainer, we can provide you with the tailored support and tuition you need to stand the best possible chance of passing your practical driving test. Call today to learn more, or email us any time and we will get back to you as promptly as possible.
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